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Has Lionel Messi Retired?

Has Lionel Messi Retired?

Will Lionel Messi retire or find a new club?

Robert Mann

Robert Mann

Barcelona sensationally announced this week that club legend Lionel Messi would not be returning to the club, leaving many left wondering what the Argentine will do next.

The news has predictably provoked shock and outrage throughout the Catalonian region with Messi - arguably the greatest La Liga player of all time - set to move on after two decades at the club.

But what next for Messi - will he find a new club or retire from football for good?

Barcelona officially announced this week that club legend Lionel Messi would not be returning to the club
Barcelona officially announced this week that club legend Lionel Messi would not be returning to the club

While Messi was expected to re-sign at the Camp Nou for next season, the club sensationally revealed on Thursday that they have been unable to strike a new deal due to financial restraints.

But the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is still well in his prime and will be free to join a club of his choosing, with every side around the world dreaming of landing one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game.

Paris Saint-Germain are a leading candidate by having the financial power to offer Messi a lucrative contract - with reports suggesting that the Ligue 1 giants have already held talks with the sought-after forward.

PSG fell short in their Champions League quest again this past season and will be desperate to strengthen wherever they can - with Messi fitting that bill.

Neymar, who formed a lethal partnership with Messi at Barcelona, could prove key in convincing his former teammate to move to France. Just imagine the devastation that Messi would cause alongside the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe in a front three.

As for Barca, though, it will obviously be next to impossible to replace a player of the calibre of Messi and the Catalan outfit will have a torrid time of finding one to fill his boots. But who will it be?

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi